‘Carry On’ prison governor jailed over sex scandal

Prison governor Russell Thorne, who gave presents to an inmate in return for sex, has been jailed for five years.

Russell Thorne showed no emotion as the jury returned their verdict (Pic: PA)

Thorne was âat the heartâ of corruption that âengulfedâ the womenâs prison, a court heard.

Life inside was like a scene from the saucy Carry On films âwith Sid James playing the role of the prison officer and Barbara Windsor in a short skirt perched on his desk,â prosecutors said.

The 41-year-oldâs Colombian lover â serving 17 years for drug smuggling â nicknamed him âBig Ballsâ and was given cans of Red Bull energy drink and other gifts during their two-year affair.

Thorne even watched her perform sex acts on her female lover â another inmate â then joined them in a threesome. Thorne, of Sutton, south London, was a senior warder at Downview Prison in Banstead, Surrey, when the affairÂ began, and it continued when heÂ became acting governor, Guildford crown court heard.

Finding him guilty of misconduct in public office, Judge Michael Addison said: âYou had a sexual relationship with a prisoner. You were acting governor at one point and had considerable power. You abused that power.

âThe sentence must deter other prison officers tempted to make sexualÂ advances to prisoners. If they do they must know they will go to prison for a substantial period.â